Don't Look Any Further is the first released solo album from Dennis Edwards, the sometime
Temptations lead vocalist.
Edwards first made a solo recording in 1977, but had nothing to show for it but an unreleased album. He returned stronger than ever, but then again left in the middle of the sessions for Back to Basics. For Don't Look Any Further,
Edwards teamed with producer
Dennis Lambert, who was behind the boards for 1983's
Temptations effort Surface Thrills. This effort skillfully merged the loveman persona reminiscent of
Teddy Pendergrass with the confident early-'80s
Al Jarreau-style pop. With
Edwards in great voice and spirits, Don't Look Any Further is a thoroughly enjoyable listen. The big hit here, the reggae-tinged title track, was supposed to be a duet with
Chaka Khan.
Siedah Garrett, who did the demo, appears instead and displays great chemistry with
Edwards. The slow-burning "(You're My) Aphrodisiac" soon has
Edwards screaming the paint off the walls. What's remarkable about Don't Look Any Further is how is continues to succeed in light of potentially album-stalling premises and sometime so-so production. The breakdancing-ready style of "Shake Hands (Come Out Dancing)" suits
Edwards' bluster quite well. The album's biggest surprise, the sweet ballad "Just Like You" has
Edwards singing with surprising emotion. Don't Look Any Further presents
Edwards as a potent solo act and displays the depth and subtlety inherent in his best work. ~ Jason Elias